Steve Sarkisian‘s Texas is turning into an NFL factory. Fresh off sending a record 11 players to the league last year, the Longhorns might just break that record again. Sark’s magic in Austin is real—it’s not just about wins; it’s about churning out elite talent. And if the invites to the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine are any sign, Texas is gearing up for a historic draft class. Looks like the Horns are rolling, and the NFL is taking notice.

This year, 14 Longhorns earned invites to the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, tying Georgia for second-most in the country. Only OSU topped them with 15. However, a total of 329 college prospects will hit Indianapolis from Feb. 27 to March 2, showcasing their skills in front of NFL scouts. But this isn’t just a one-year flex. Texas has sent 25 players to the Combine over the last two seasons, tied with Georgia for the most in the nation.

While the NFL pipeline is stronger than ever, head coach Steve Sarkisian sees it too. As the Longhorns inch closer to a historic milestone, Sarkisian put it best with just one word. He shared the list of invited Combine players on his IG story with the caption: “#Development.” No fluff, no extra words—just the truth. Texas isn’t just competing. They’re building. And they’re sending a message to recruits everywhere—come to Austin, and we’ll get you to the league.

And you know, the NFL handpicks the best, and Texas is all over the list. A special committee, with input from all 32 teams, decides who gets the coveted Combine invite. This year, the Longhorns are well represented. Leading the charge? QB Quinn Ewers. In the backfield, Jaydon Blue. On the outside, Isaiah Bond and Matthew Golden. However, this isn’t over yet.

At the tight end, Gunnar Helm. And in the trenches? Kelvin Banks, Cam Williams, Hayden Conner, and Jake Majors. The list goes on. But Texas isn’t just sending players—they’re sending future pros. Over the years, the Longhorns have consistently owned the NFL Combine, stealing the show with blazing 40-yard dashes and dominant drills. Remember, last year, Texas made history at the NFL Combine? And no moment was bigger than Xavier Worthy’s record-breaking sprint. The former Longhorn, now Chiefs WR, just blazed a 4.21-second 40-yard dash—officially the fastest ever!

But now, back in Austin, Steve Sarkisian has business to handle. While the Longhorns’ pipeline to the pros keeps getting stronger, Sark is tackling a major coaching dilemma.

Steve Sarkisian’s latest coaching staff move

Texas just made a big move in the secondary. Mark Orphey is heading to Austin as the Longhorns’ new safeties coach, stepping in for Blake Gideon. The young, energetic assistant comes over from Rutgers, where he coached cornerbacks and built a strong reputation. Anwar Richardson broke the news Wednesday night, confirming Orphey’s addition to Steve Sarkisian’s staff. “According to my sources, Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian has hired Rutgers CB coach Mark Orphey to replace Blake Gideon. Orphey, a North Shore grad, had strong ties to Houston. He’s viewed as an excellent hire for the Longhorns,” wrote Richardson.

Mark Orphey’s rise in the coaching world has been nothing short of impressive. Since 2017, he’s climbed the ladder with stops at Alabama, Utah State, and Montana State before landing at Rutgers in 2022. There, he helped transform the Scarlet Knights into one of the Big 10’s toughest defenses. In 2023, Rutgers ranked 16th nationally in total defense—a testament to Orphey’s impact. His work didn’t go unnoticed, as he helped send two defensive backs to the NFL—Max Melton and Christian Braswell. Now, he’s bringing that same defensive prowess to Texas.

But the most interesting part is about to begin. Orphey has Texas ties in addition to his reputation as a rising assistant. He was a Houston native and a two-time All-SWAC CB at Texas Southern. Given that he will be hitting the recruiting path to try to land the Longhorns their second consecutive No. 1 class, his familiarity with the state surely played a significant role in the hiring process. Let’s see what Sark can do in 2025 with his new coaches and all those guys heading to the NFL.